Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Counseling intends to consider amending the following regulations:

18VAC115-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling

18VAC115-30, Regulations Governing the Certification of Substance Abuse Counselors and Substance Abuse Counseling

18VAC115-40, Regulations Governing the Certification of Rehabilitation Providers

18VAC115-50, Regulations Governing the Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy

18VAC115-60, Regulations Governing the Practice of Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Professionals.

The purpose of the proposed action is to address the need of the Board of Counseling to increase fees to cover expenses for essential functions of review of applications, licensing, investigation of complaints against licensees, and adjudication and monitoring of disciplinary cases required for public health and safety in the Commonwealth. Since the fees from licensees will no longer generate sufficient funds to pay operating expenses for the board, consideration of a fee increase is essential. In order to have sufficient funding for the operation of the board by fiscal year 2018, it is necessary to begin the process of promulgating amendments to regulations.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: December 30, 2015.

Agency Contact: Jaime Hoyle, Executive Director, Board of Counseling, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4406, FAX (804) 527-4435, or email jaime.hoyle@dhp.virginia.gov.